Gulf leaders reaffirm support for the Presidential Leadership Council, advocating for a political solution to preserve Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity.

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reiterated their full support for the Presidential Leadership Council, headed by President Rashad Mohammed Alimi, in their efforts to ensure security and stability in Yemen. They emphasized the importance of achieving a comprehensive political solution based on the Gulf Initiative, its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. This approach aims to preserve Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.

Commitment to Political Dialogue

The final statement from the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council, held in Kuwait, welcomed the ongoing sincere efforts made by Saudi Arabia and Oman. These efforts include ongoing communications with all Yemeni parties to revive the political process, leading to a sustainable and comprehensive political solution in Yemen. The statement stressed the importance of the Houthi militias engaging positively with international and UN efforts aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis. It urged the Houthis to take peace initiatives seriously to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Support for Humanitarian Initiatives

The statement praised the Yemeni government’s commitment to renewing the humanitarian truce announced by the United Nations. It reiterated support for the UN and its special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in achieving a comprehensive political solution in line with the three established references.

The GCC Supreme Council also welcomed the recent statement from the UN envoy regarding a positive agreement between Yemeni parties to de-escalate tensions in the banking sector and Yemenia Airlines. The council expressed renewed support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace and security for Yemen and its people.

Call for Full Implementation of Agreements

The council urged Yemeni parties to fully commit to the measures announced by the UN envoy on December 23, 2023. These measures include a nationwide ceasefire, actions to improve living conditions in Yemen, and preparations to resume an inclusive political process under UN auspices.

The council acknowledged the UN’s efforts in maintaining the truce in Yemen since April 2022. It called for a firm stance against the Houthis’ actions that contradict the efforts of the UN and regional countries to establish peace in Yemen.

Concerns Over Regional Stability

The GCC expressed deep concern over ongoing developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions to maintain regional security and stability while respecting maritime navigation rights under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982).

The council condemned foreign interventions in Yemen’s internal affairs, particularly the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militias, which blatantly violates Security Council Resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624.

Development Initiatives and Economic Support

The council welcomed the outcomes of the joint technical committee meetings aimed at identifying development needs in Yemen. This committee included representatives from Yemen, GCC member states, national and regional development funds, and international organizations. The goal is to enable Yemen to implement priority development projects and provide essential services to its citizens.

The GCC praised Saudi Arabia’s deposit of the third tranche of budget support for the Yemeni government, amounting to $250 million. This support, part of a total of $1.2 billion, aims to bolster economic reforms and enhance the Yemeni government’s budget, thereby improving citizens’ purchasing power and supporting economic recovery in Yemen.

Renewable Energy and Humanitarian Efforts

The council also commended the UAE’s funding for a solar power station in the temporary capital of Aden, covering 1.6 million square meters and generating 120 megawatts. This project represents a sustainable solution to Yemen’s electricity crisis. Additionally, the arrival of the PS DREAM vessel, carrying 42,000 tons of diesel to the oil port in Aden, marks the third installment of a UAE grant to help increase electricity generation in liberated provinces.

Furthermore, the council acknowledged Kuwait’s approval to provide the Yemeni government with three aircraft and two engines to support the air transport sector. The council praised the achievements of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the humanitarian support provided by the GCC to Yemen.

Urgent Call for Release of Detainees

The GCC Supreme Council urged the Houthi militias to immediately release all detainees, including employees of the United Nations, the U.S. Embassy, international organizations, and other diplomatic missions. This demand underscores the violation of international law and diplomatic norms.

In conclusion, the GCC leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting Yemen’s sovereignty and stability while calling for collaborative efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

 

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